Marcelas Owens’ Story

Senator Murray met Marcelas Owens a few weeks ago at a health care rally in Seattle. Marcelas is just 10 years old, but he and his two younger siblings have already been through a lot. Two years ago, their mother, Tifanny, lost her life because she was uninsured.  She was only 27 years old.  

Tifanny, was a single mom who felt strongly about working to support her family.

Tifanny worked as an assistant manager at a fast food restaurant.  She had health care coverage through her job.   But in September of 2006, she got sick. 

During this time, she missed a lot of work.  Her employer gave her an ultimatum -- either she could make up the lost time or she would lose her job.  Because she was sick, she couldn’t make it up, so she lost her job.  And when she lost her job, she also lost her medical coverage.  Without coverage, Tiffany couldn’t get the timely medical care that she needed.   

And in June of 2007, she died. 

Marcelas lost his mom because our system is broken. 

It’s time we fix it.